Today, Fermanagh hurlers will meet Louth at Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan for the right to enter the Nicky Rackard Cup competition next year even though they have to all intents and purposes already earned that privilege.

In beating Sligo in the Lory Meagher Cup final at Croke Park last weekend, Fermanagh's passport into the higher tier of the All-Ireland series should have been automatically stamped.

Instead, joint manager Seamus McCusker must rally his troops once again for a match that merely underlines the Association's apparent obsession with complicating matters.

Yes, for this all-or-nothing confrontation against Louth, Fermanagh must go to the well once again against a Louth side that has proven something of a surprise packet this year.

McCusker is perhaps a little fretful as he ponders today's mission.

"I don't think we should have to play this match against Louth at all. There's not a bit of call for it. We won the Lory Meagher Cup fair and square last weekend and I see no reason why we should not go straight up into the Nicky Rackard Cup," declared McCusker.

In tasting Lory Meagher glory, Fermanagh left everything on the Croke Park pitch.

The challenge facing the side now is to replicate the desire, pride and flair which marked that success.

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